New Zealanders Isaac McHardie and William McKenzie continued their domination of the skiff (49er) racing today in Marseille.
McHardie and McKenzie led the field after the first day, courtesy of a win, a 3rd placing and an 8th placing. They delivered more of the same today, with an 8th place finish followed by two victories.
The results mean that after six races – halfway through the regatta – the New Zealanders have a clear lead. After discarding their worst performance they have 22 points, well ahead of Ireland (41) and Spain (44). There are 20 teams in the competition.
McKenzie said he and McHardie were very pleased to walk away with two wins today. “They were extremely light conditions, and it was so hot. We had to fight for every metre.”
He said they’d put together two solid days and planned to go out and repeat the effort tomorrow.
The New Zealanders have been buoyed to receive messages of encouragement from Blair Tuke and Peter Burling, who did such a good job for New Zealand sailing the 49ers at previous Olympics. Tuke and Burling have America’s Cup duty in August, so were unavailable for the Olympics, but McHardie and McKenzie have slotted in most ably.
“We’ve been stoked to be getting such encouraging messages from them and they’ve told us we now need to go out there and finish the job.”
Unfortunately, Jo Aleh and Molly Meech in the women’s skiff (49er) were again unable to hit their best form. The pair, Olympic gold and silver medallists, went into the second day’s racing in 20th and last place. On the second day they improved marginally with 9th, 17th and 8th placings and have moved to 19th position overall.
There was time for windsurfer Josh Armit to get his Olympics started. In his first outing he finished fourth, 16 seconds behind the winner, Nicolas Goyard of France, an encouraging beginning.
In the women’s windsurfing, Veerle ten Have has had two races, recording a disqualification and a 15th place, to leave her 21st overall.